Rouzer, David RSS Articles

Dalilah’s Law Moves Forward to Enhance Roadway Safety and Driver Accountability

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:53:52 GMT

Dalilah’s Law Moves Forward to Enhance Roadway Safety and Driver Accountability

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed H.R. 5688, Dalilah's Law, introduced by Chairman David Rouzer (NC-07), sending the legislation to the House Floor.

The legislation strengthens Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements to end the issuance of CDLs to illegal immigrants who lack the English proficiency, road-rule knowledge, and safety skills needed to safely operate CMVs. The legislation also includes a provision from Rep. Dave Taylor’s (OH-02) Connor's Law requiring English Language Proficiency for all CDL holders.

Dalilah’s Law is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, the 5-year-old girl who was struck and severely injured by an illegal alien driving a semi-truck. Dalilah was a guest of President Trump at this year’s State of the Union address, where the President called for Congress to block illegal and unqualified immigrants from obtaining a CDL in the United States. The accident that caused Dalilah’s injury is only one example of recent incidents caused by drivers who were not qualified to operate on our nation’s roadways.

“Today we’re one step closer to safer roads for Dalilah Coleman, her family, and all Americans,” said Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (NC-07), lead sponsor of the legislation. “Ensuring each truck driver is qualified and legally operating will protect the public from these tragic, yet preventable accidents. I want to thank Chairman Graves, Secretary Duffy, and my colleagues for their support and swift action in advancing this critical legislation. I look forward to working to get this bill through the House and Senate to answer President Trump’s call to restore public trust on our roadways.”

Chairman David Rouzer meets with Dalilah Coleman and her family on March 18, 2026.

Dalilah's Law, was developed in direct coordination with the White House, Department of Transportation, and House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and includes the following key provisions:

Ensuring all CDL holders understand English, road signs, and law enforcement officers;
Placing drivers who fail to meet the Law’s requirements and safety standards out-of-service;
Requiring states to verify that they are not issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants;
Significantly increasing penalties for states failing to comply with the Law, through withholding of Federal funds;
Banning shady foreign dispatch services and brokers, who have fueled a surge in freight fraud and cargo theft; and
Cracking down on “CDL mills” to ensure drivers entering the industry are receiving adequate training.

Background:

H.R. 5688 was first introduced by Chairman Rouzer on October 3, 2025, as the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, ends the reckless policy of granting commercial driver's licenses to illegal immigrants who lack the English proficiency and road-rule knowledge needed to safely operate massive commercial vehicles on our highways.

The bill parallels efforts by President Trump and Transportation Secretary Duffy to crack down on this safety crisis that was fueled by the open border policies of the Biden Administration, and it codifies many of the Administration’s actions to ensure safety on the nation’s roads.

Statements of support from House Republican leaders is available here. Statements from numerous organizations representing truckers, trucking companies, and supply chain groups across the United States can be found here. The American Truckers United statement is available here.

You can find the bill text of Dalilah’s Law here.

Watch Chairman Rouzer's opening statement remarks here.

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Rouzer Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition for NC-07 Students

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:26:22 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. All high school students who reside within North Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District are encouraged to participate.

“The annual Congressional Art Competition showcases the extraordinary talent, creativity, and dedication of students across North Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District and our nation,” said Congressman Rouzer. “Each year, I am inspired by the remarkable students from across our region who participate, and I'm excited to recognize this year's winner.”

Every spring since 1982, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have sponsored a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the country. The competition is open to all high school students in NC-07.

The winning artwork will be displayed for a full year in the Cannon Tunnel, a pedestrian walkway leading to the U.S. Capitol. The first-place winner will also receive airfare for two to Washington, DC, to attend a national reception honoring student artists from across the country.

2026 Congressional Art Competition guidelines can be found here, and the required student release form can be found here. Students can verify their home’s congressional district here. Please be advised after the winner is selected, the student is responsible for framing the artwork.

Students must submit their artwork and signed release form in person to one of Congressman Rouzer’s district offices by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026.

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, visit the Congressman’s website or contact Congressional Art Competition Coordinator, Lisa Myers, at (910) 253-6111 or Melissa.Myers@mail.house.gov.

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Chairman Rouzer Introduces Dalilah’s Law to Strengthen Road Safety and Save American Lives

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:44:43 GMT

March 16, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731

Chairman Rouzer Introduces Dalilah’s Law to Strengthen Road Safety and Save American Lives

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC) released updated legislative text of Dalilah’s Law, a measure to strengthen Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements in the United States, ensure commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are properly trained and meet safety standards, require CMV drivers to be able to read and understand the English language, and prevent unqualified and illegal immigrants that could pose a significant safety hazard from obtaining a CDL through lax licensing enforcement by states.

Dalilah’s Law is named in honor of Dalilah Coleman, the 5-year-old girl who was struck and severely injured by an illegal alien driving a semi-truck. Dalilah was a guest of President Trump at this year’s State of the Union address, where the President called for Congress to pass such a law to block illegal and unqualified immigrants from obtaining a CDL in the United States. The accident that caused Dalilah’s injury is only one example of recent incidents caused by drivers who were not qualified to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle and should not have been given CDLs.

“Commercial driver’s license standards are in place for a reason: to ensure that only those qualified to drive a truck are allowed to do so. Dalilah’s story is the heartbreaking consequence of what happens when those standards are both insufficient and breached,” said Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC), the lead sponsor of the legislation. “Unqualified, illegal foreign drivers behind the wheel of an 80-ton rig put the public in danger. President Trump called on Congress to end this systematic abuse, and Dalilah’s Law answers the call. I look forward to working with Secretary Duffy and Chairman Graves to get this bill to the President’s desk to prevent tragedies like Dalilah’s from happening again.”

The updated bill text of H.R. 5688, now known as Dalilah’s Law, improves safety and CDL policies by:

Ensuring all CDL holders understand English, road signs, and law enforcement officers;
Placing drivers who fail to meet the Law’s requirements and safety standards out-of-service;
Requiring states to verify that they are not issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants;
Significantly increasing penalties for states failing to comply with the Law, through withholding of Federal funds;
Banning shady foreign dispatch services and brokers, who have fueled a surge in freight fraud and cargo theft; and
Cracking down on “CDL mills” to ensure drivers entering the industry are receiving adequate training.

The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will mark up Dalilah’s Law at 10:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building.

A link to the live webcast of Wednesday’s markup will be available here.

Background:

H.R. 5688 was first introduced by Chairman Rouzer on October 3, 2025, as the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, to end the issuance of CDLs to illegal immigrants who lack the English proficiency, road-rule knowledge, and safety skills needed to safely operate CMVs.

The legislation also includes a provision from Rep. Dave Taylor’s (R-OH) Connor's Law requiring English Language Proficiency for all CDL holders.

You can find the bill text of Dalilah’s Law here.

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Latest Update from Rep. Rouzer...

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:40:11 GMT

Dear [salutation],

It has been another busy one, except most House members have been off the Hill for much of the week. The House Republican Issues Conference was held in Miami this past week, where we gathered to discuss our agenda moving forward. Meanwhile, Operation Epic Fury continues as the U.S. military further annihilates Iran’s defenses.

Looking ahead, Tax Day is quickly approaching. If you or someone you know needs assistance preparing your taxes this year, please take a moment to review the resources available to help. I’m also pleased to share an update on a recent investment in Wilmington that will strengthen our economy and support our community. Read more below!

If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these updates, you can subscribe here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Eliminating Iran’s Capabilities

As we enter the third week of Operation Epic Fury, the United States military and our allies continue to dismantle Iran's military capabilities. The operation has successfully struck more than 15,000 enemy targets, destroying Iran’s military infrastructure and neutralizing key elements of the regime's leadership limiting their ability to threaten the region and the world.

Unfortunately, Iran continues to attack civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil and liquefied natural gas shipping routes which runs along Iran's coastline, disrupting global energy supplies. The United States has made it clear the Iranian regime will not be allowed to hold the world hostage. The U.S. Department of War remains committed to taking all necessary actions to ensure oil shipments remain secure and global commerce is protected.

While these strategic military operations continue, the cost of defending freedom remains high. We mourn the brave servicemembers who have given their lives in defense of our nation and our allies. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tax Season is Underway

With tax season in full swing, there are some resources available through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that might be helpful to you. If you need in-person support this year, two Taxpayer Assistance Centers are currently serving our district — one in Fayetteville and one in Wilmington.

Before visiting a Taxpayer Assistance Center, it is recommended you check the IRS website for addresses, current hours of operation, and a list of required documents you’ll need to bring.

Additionally, the IRS offers a variety of online tools and resources to help you prepare and file your taxes that can be accessed here.

Investing in U.S. Manufacturing

I’m excited to share some community news with you! As part of a broader $160 million investment across North Carolina, GE Aerospace has announced its commitment to investing $60 million in its Wilmington manufacturing facility.

As we focus on strengthening American supply chains and bolstering domestic manufacturing, it’s great to see this investment in innovation right here at home.

Watch the video here to learn more about GE Aerospace's investment in U.S. manufacturing.

Next Generation of Leaders

While I was with my Republican colleagues at our Issues Conference, it was a pleasure for my office to welcome two fantastic Fayetteville State University students to Washington, DC this past week as part of the Chancellor’s Fellows Leadership Program. These scholars truly represent the next generation of leaders.

I hope Kayla and Jayden enjoyed their tour of the U.S. Capitol and their time in Washington.

FSU Chancellor Fellows: Kayla McLaurin (left) and Jayden Batiste (right)

Visiting Washington, DC soon? As you plan your travel for the year, please let my office know if you will be visiting Washington, DC this spring or summer. You can request tour tickets for the U.S. Capitol, White House, Pentagon and other tours by filling out the form on my website.

Future of Infrastructure

I recently joined leaders from across the country for the CRH Women’s Impact Fly-in to discuss the future of American infrastructure. Companies like CRH are the backbone of American growth, supplying a vast array of building materials, including those necessary to build and repair our roads and bridges, among other infrastructure projects.

As Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, I am working with my colleagues to craft the next Highway Bill, which will reauthorize funding for our roads, bridges, transit systems and rail. (Current law expires September 30 of this year.) It was great to hear directly from the professionals managing these projects on the ground, ensuring the policies we craft meet the needs of our nation.

Good News Story

For this week’s good news story, I would like to highlight a generous donation by the Carolina Panthers to our community. The team recently made a special trip to Wilmington to visit the students at Bradley Creek and Sunset Park elementary schools.

In a powerful partnership with Samaritan’s Feet, the team fitted 800 students with brand-new, free pairs of shoes to inspire them to keep moving. Through their "Play 60" initiative, the Carolina Panthers are encouraging every student to get at least 60 minutes of daily activity for a healthy lifestyle. Read the story here.

Closing Thoughts...

"Believe you can and you’re halfway there." – President Theodore Roosevelt

Latest Update from Rep. Rouzer...

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:38:14 GMT

I spent much of this past week with my colleagues on the House Committee on Agriculture marking up the 2026 Farm Bill, starting Tuesday and finally finishing up around 1:45 am Thursday morning. It is a privilege to represent and fight for our farm families and rural communities — a role that I take very seriously.

Beyond the Committee room, I joined WECT News of Wilmington to discuss ongoing U.S. military operations in the Middle East. I also had the opportunity to sit down with CQ Roll Call recently, a newspaper following the news of Congress, to reflect on my earlier days as a staffer working on Capitol Hill, revisiting the foundational moments that shaped my approach to serving you in Washington today.

If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these updates, you can subscribe here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Farmers are the Backbone of America

North Carolina is blessed to be one of the most agriculturally diverse states in our great country, with our state agriculture industry contributing more than $113 billion to the state’s economy. A significant portion of that production is in the 7th Congressional District.

To support our farm families, I joined my colleagues on the House Committee on Agriculture in approving H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, commonly referred to as the ‘Farm Bill’. This legislation is an important part of protecting our rural communities and a major win for North Carolina's farm families. Our nation's famers provide the safest, most abundant food supply in the world.

During the Committee’s consideration of the Farm Bill, I introduced an amendment to allow tobacco growers access to future USDA-led disaster and economic assistance. This will help protect our hardworking families who power North Carolina’s most historically significant industry, which is still critical to many farm operations. For many, tobacco provides the financial base needed to produce other key farm commodities, such as sweetpotatoes, soybeans, and corn among others.

Watch my remarks speaking in favor of my amendment here.

The 2026 Farm Bill now heads to the House Floor for a vote of the whole chamber. Our rural communities are the backbone of our state, and I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for our farm families.

Peace Through Strength

For decades, it has been bipartisan consensus the United States must never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. As the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities present an imminent and dire threat. Or to put another away, the countdown clock was ticking. While Operation Midnight Hammer took out much of their capability, the Iranians were continuing to pursue a nuclear weapon and growing closer by the day.

Despite President Trump’s efforts to reach a diplomatic solution, Iran remained defiant. President Trump's decisive and continual actions to wipe out this threat to our nation and our allies with Operation Epic Fury are necessary. I’m grateful we have a President with the courage and guts to do it.

My heart and prayers go out to the families of the fallen, and I pray for the full recovery of those wounded. We mourn the seven U.S. servicemembers who tragically lost their lives and the others who were injured. These brave individuals made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom, and we owe them, as well as all who sign up to defend our country, an eternal debt of gratitude. May God bless our troops and protect them from harm.

You can find my interview with WECT News here.

Trip Down Memory Lane

What a wonderful trip down memory lane. I recently sat down with CQ Roll Call, a paper read by many who follow the news of Congress, to discuss my early days on Capitol Hill, including my very first job which might surprise you.

We talked about my time handling agriculture and tobacco policy for my mentor and former boss, U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, a pioneer and founder of the conservative movement. The lessons I learned in those early years still guide my work today. You can read the full article here.

Legacy of Coach Lou Holtz

I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Lou Holtz. I admired him greatly – and not just because he coached at my alma mater, NC State, early in his career. He was a man of great character who loved America.

I had the opportunity to talk with him a couple of times over the years. His book, Winning Every Day, still ranks as a favorite. He was special and will be greatly missed.

Coach Lou Holtz served as the head football coach at NC State University from 1972 to 1975, leading the school to an ACC Championship in 1973.

This Week's Good News Story

For this week’s good news story, I would like to celebrate Ray, the river otter, who lives in the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher! This past Saturday marked Ray’s "golden birthday," which is when your age matches the day of the month you were born, creating a unique, once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Ray, the river otter, celebrated with a special birthday "cake" featuring all his favorite treats: krill, smelt, and shrimp. If you’re ever in the Fort Fisher area, I highly recommend stopping by the aquarium! Read more here.

Closing Thoughts...

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." – Coach Lou Holtz

Rouzer Commends Decisive Action to Secure Peace and Stability in the Middle East

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:52:29 GMT

February 28, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731

Rouzer Commends Decisive Action to Secure Peace and Stability in the Middle East

WASHINGTON, DC - Representative David Rouzer (R-NC-07) issued the following statement after the United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated military mission to dismantle the Iranian regime’s nuclear and terror infrastructure:

“May God protect and bless the brave men and women of the U.S. military during Operation Epic Fury," said Representative Rouzer. "President Trump has the courage and conviction to do what is necessary to protect America and our allies, and I thank him for it. For decades, the Iranian regime has exported and funded terrorism threatening the safety of the United States and our closest allies. Today’s decisive action is a necessary step toward establishing stability and a lasting peace in the Middle East for the betterment of all.”

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Congressman Rouzer's Statement on President Trump's State of the Union

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:10:00 GMT

February 24, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731

Congressman Rouzer's Statement on
President Trump's State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump delivered the State of the Union Address:

"Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed his bold, visionary agenda for a stronger, more prosperous union," said Representative Rouzer. "The pro-growth tax, regulatory, and energy policies we have put in place have lowered gas prices and stabilized the cost of living – which had been driven by the rampant inflation stoked by wasteful COVID-era spending. Investment and jobs are returning to America from overseas. We are cutting wasteful spending and rebuilding our military. After four years of open border policies which allowed drug dealers and criminals to enter the United States at their pleasure, our border is finally now secure. But there is more to be done to get our country back on track. I look forward to continuing to deliver on President Trump’s promises to restore American greatness."

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Rouzer Applauds President Trump’s Call to Restore Order to Commercial Trucking Licensing System

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:00:00 GMT

February 24, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731

Rouzer Applauds President Trump’s Call to Restore Order to Commercial Trucking Licensing System

WASHINGTON, DC- During Tuesday’s State of the Union Address to Congress, President Trump highlighted the need to restore order to the United States' commercial trucking licensing system. Sharing the tragic story of Dalilah Coleman, a five-year-old girl who was critically injured by an illegal alien driving an 18-wheeler, President Trump called on Congress to pass legislation barring states from granting commercial driver's licenses to illegal aliens.

Following the President’s remarks, Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) said, “Stories like Dalilah’s are exactly why I introduced the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act. This commonsense legislation ensures only individuals with lawful immigration status and a legitimate reason to operate commercial vehicles in the U.S. are entrusted with CDLs. I am grateful to President Trump for recognizing Dalilah’s brave road to recovery and highlighting the serious threat to public safety lax CDL issuance policies pose to those who use our roads.”

Dalilah Coleman is a 1st-grader who was severely injured in a car accident caused by an illegal alien driving a semitruck with a CDL. Her injured include a traumatic brain injury, Cerebral Palsy, and she will need lifelong care and therapy.

The driver of this crash crossed the border in 2022 and was released into the country by the Biden Administration. She attended the State of the Union with her father this evening.

Background:

On October 3, 2025, Representative Rouzer introduced H.R. 5688, the Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act, to codify the finalized U.S. DOT rule into federal law. Legislation is still needed topermanently protect Americans’ safety, support American workers, and restore order to our commercial trucking licensing system.This legislation ends the reckless policy of granting CDLs to illegal immigrants who lack the English proficiency and road-rule knowledge needed to safely operate massive commercial vehicles on our highways.

You can find the full text of H.R. 5688 here.

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Rouzer Urges Support for ALERT Act

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:16:33 GMT

February 24, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Caroline French, (202) 225-2731

Rouzer Urges Support for ALERT Act

WASHINGTON, DC - Following consideration of S. 2503, the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act on the Floor of the House of Representatives, Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07), who voted against the legislation, issued the following statement:

“The crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 was a devastating tragedy leaving the loved ones of 67 souls to experience unimaginable loss for the rest of their lives. The crash was also a sobering reminder of the dire need to strengthen aviation protocols to better ensure our skies are safe," said Congressman David Rouzer.

"While I appreciate the Senate’s efforts on the ROTOR Act, the legislation fails to fully address all the recommendations made by the NTSB in the wake of the crash. The bipartisan ALERT Act offers a comprehensive, data-driven path forward in aviation safety. I look forward to immediately continuing the work of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to advance this critical legislation through the legislative process.

We owe it to the victims' families and to every American traveler to get this right.”

S. 2503 failed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 264 to 133 on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

Background:

The Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 is the comprehensive legislative response to the various aviation safety issues raised by the tragic 2025 midair collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

The ALERT Act was introduced in the House last week by the bipartisan leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. Congressman David Rouzer is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

The ALERT Act addresses all 50 safety related recommendations issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which concluded its thorough investigation and issued its final report on February 17, 2026.

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Latest from Rep. Rouzer...

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:23:36 GMT

Dear [salutation],

Last week was a busy one in our Nation’s capital. Between committee hearings and meetings, I was proud to join North Carolinians to discuss important issues, including the role our universities play in critical research, the significance of our agriculture industry and the challenges they face, and the importance of an on-time highway bill.

If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these updates, you can subscribe here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Honoring Our Servicemembers at Fort Bragg

President Donald J. Trump greets troops after delivering remarks to military families at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Fort Bragg is home to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and Delta Force, the elite unit which executed Operation Absolute Resolve and captured Nicolas Maduro, an illegitimate leader, dictator, drug dealer, and terrorist. On Friday, I was honored to be asked to join President Trump to recognize and honor the dedicated servicemembers who captured the dictator on January 3, 2026, and brought him to the United States to face narcoterrorism charges.

You can watch the President’s full remarks here.

Advocating for North Carolina in Washington

On Tuesday, I was pleased and honored to join my friend NC State Chancellor Kevin Howell, Dean Jim Pfaendtner of NC State’s College of Engineering, and Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC) for a panel discussion. Special thanks to the American Society for Engineering Education and NC State University for organizing this. It is always valuable to discuss how we can work together to enhance research, innovation, workforce development, and education in our great state of North Carolina and nationwide.

I also had the pleasure of welcoming the National Council of Agricultural Employers (NCAE) to Washington. As the only national association focused exclusively on the agriculture employer’s perspective, their advocacy is essential to the vitality of our rural economies.

My commitment to our farmers took root as I grew up working the summers on my family’s farm in Johnston County and continued with my time serving as an agriculture, tobacco, and trade staffer for Senators Jesse Helms and Elizabeth Dole. North Carolina’s more than $113 billion agriculture economy relies on a critical workforce essential to feeding and clothing every American. Labor expenses have been at record highs in recent years, putting a number of growers out of business and making it that much harder for those still in business to continue to survive.

I applaud the Trump Administration for their work to bring these costs down. Additionally, my colleagues and I in Congress are working to make changes in the law to reform and improve the agricultural guest worker program so that it is not so costly and cumbersome to utilize.

Protecting Election Integrity

Election safeguards should be in place to restore confidence in future elections. Our election laws should protect every legal vote cast by a U.S. citizen. I previously cosponsored and voted in favor of the SAVE Act last year, which strengthened election integrity to ensure only U.S. citizens are voting in our elections. This past week, with my support, the House passed the SAVE America Act, which builds on the integrity measures of the SAVE Act by also including a photo ID requirement for federal elections to further protect our republic from election fraud.

The SAVE America Act:

Mandates a valid photo ID for all federal elections.
Requires documentary proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
Orders states to establish programs to identify and remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls.

Requiring a valid ID to vote in an election isn’t extreme – it’s common sense. As the graphic below shows, the need for a photo ID is common across our country to ensure accountability, even for something as simple as renting a car. Every vote cast by someone ineligible to participate in our elections, and those knowingly committing fraud, violates the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens and threatens the integrity of our elections.

Strengthening UNC Pembroke

This past week, I had a great meeting with UNC Pembroke Chancellor Robin Cummings to discuss the recently announced move of Indian education programs to the Department of the Interior from the Department of Education. These programs are vital to the mission of UNC Pembroke and their work serving the Lumbee people.

With passage of the Lumbee Fairness Act, full federal recognition will expand programming on campus and strengthen the school’s ability to serve its students and the region as a whole. Ensuring the smooth transition of these programs will provide our institutions and the state the flexibility to best address their unique needs.

Now Accepting 2026 Internship Applications! I am excited to announce my office is now accepting internship applications in my Washington, D.C. and North Carolina offices! Congressional interns will gain firsthand experience of the legislative process by assisting with research and supporting constituent services. Interested students should apply here by March 2, 2026.

This Week's Good News Story

For this week’s good news story, I want to honor a dedicated member of our community: Brunswick County K9 Oti, who is officially hanging up his badge. Throughout his years of service, Oti has been a faithful and fearless partner to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, especially his handler, Sgt. J. Smith. I wish Oti a wonderful retirement filled with well-earned rest and plenty of treats!

Read more here about Oti’s final mission and join us in thanking him for his years of brave service to Brunswick County.

Closing Thoughts...

"Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well." - President Theodore Roosevelt